Perelman Jewish Day School recently announced a new tuition-incentive program targeted to middle-income families and made possible by the generous support of local philanthropists Sandy and Steve Cozen. The Cozen Scholars Program is offered to new Perelman families with children entering kindergarten or first grade. Qualifying applicants will receive a valuable grant toward tuition – $5,000 for each of five years, totaling $25,000 per child.

The Cozens, longtime benefactors of many charitable causes, created this valuable program to help families that do not qualify for financial aid but also cannot afford the cost of tuition. Sandy Cozen was the driving force behind this idea. “As proud Perelman grandparents, we’ve seen firsthand what this school does for children. It is our mandate to connect as many students as possible to this outstanding institution – and to ensure the future viability of the Jewish people,” says Steve Cozen, founder and chairman of Cozen O’Connor, a Philadelphia-based law firm.

“Today more than ever, many people face difficult choices about finances – and often, private school is just not an option,” adds Shira Wohlberg, Director of Admission. “The Cozen Scholars Program helps middle-income families realize the dream of a Perelman education. We’re excited to offer this wonderful incentive to the community.”

A limited number of grants is available, and middle-income is broadly defined, giving many families the opportunity to attend Perelman. Other tuition incentives may be possible for families that are not eligible for this program. Parents are encouraged to contact the Admission office at 215-635-3130, to learn more about the program.

More about the Cozens and PJDS after the jump.Sandy and Steve Cozen

For the Sandy and Steve Cozen, philanthropy is a way of life. Since their first trip to Israel in the 1970s, the couple made it their mandate to help Jewish people everywhere – and that same sense of responsibility extends to countless other charitable causes.

The Cozens are longtime benefactors of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the National Museum of American Jewish History, the Anti-Defamation League and the USC Shoah Foundation Institute. They are deeply committed to ensuring Jewish continuity through education and recently created “The Cozen Scholars Program” for Perelman Jewish Day School, which awards valuable tuition incentives over five years to new students from middle-income families.

They are also actively involved in helping others through the Charitable Foundation created by Cozen O’Connor, the Philadelphia-based, international law firm where Steve Cozen is Founder and Chairman. Their Foundation supports several non-profit organizations, including the Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Catholic Charities, Habitat for Humanity, the Black United Fund, the National Adoption Center and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The Cozens currently reside in the Philadelphia suburbs and enjoy leisure time with their children and grandchildren.

Perelman Jewish Day School

Since 1956, Perelman Jewish Day School, a Solomon Schechter affiliate, has educated students from kindergarten through eighth grade in three centers on two campuses in the Philadelphia area. The cornerstone of a Perelman education is its innovative dual-language curriculum that integrates Jewish and secular studies on both English and Hebrew. By learning to think, reason, speak and write in two languages, students develop one-of-a-kind critical thinking skills, while embracing their heritage and developing solid values.

Perelman’s students experience rigorous academics in language arts, mathematics, social science, general science and religious studies. They also attend sessions in music, art, computer and science laboratories and physical education.

The three Perelman campuses include the Stern Center in Wynnewood (grades K-5), the Forman Center (grades K-5) and the Robert Saligman Middle School (grades 6-8). The Forman and Saligman centers are both on the Mandell Education Campus in Melrose Park.

At Perelman, Jewish values and traditions are taught in the context of Conservative Judaism, though the school recognizes diverse forms of Jewish practice and welcomes students from all levels of religious observance.

Perelman Jewish Day School is a constituent agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and is accredited by PAIS, the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools.